Open Event
4 November 2026
Join us at our Open Event and discover what makes St John Rigby one of the most popular choices for students across the region.
Chemistry is the study of how the elements and their compounds behave. It overlaps with Physics and Biology as chemical principles underpin the physical environment in which we live, as well as all biological systems. In this course you will develop essential knowledge and understanding of fundamental chemical concepts, as well as a variety of areas of chemistry, and you will gain an understanding of how these relate to each other. You will also develop a deeper appreciation of how chemistry plays a major role in providing the comfortable modern lifestyle we enjoy and how it contributes to the success of the economy and to society more broadly
College entry to include Double Award GCSE Science Higher Tier 6,6 (or above) or GCSE Chemistry 6 (or above) plus a minimum of either GCSE Biology 6 or GCSE Physics 6. You must also have achieved GCSE Mathematics grade 6 or above, (please refer to the Entry Requirements section for further details).
100% Examination. Practical skills are embedded within the course and are assessed as part of the practical endorsement of the A level as well as in the written examinations.
Topics covered during the course include quantitative chemistry, atomic structure, chemical bonding and the Periodic Table, organic chemistry, transition metals, acids and amines, energy changes, rates of reaction and equilibria. The course also includes practical work which helps develop your understanding.
Chemistry impacts on every part of our daily lives. Without chemistry there would be no plastics, cosmetics, brightly coloured dyes or synthetic fibres. There would be no drugs to fight disease, nor any methods to monitor pollution. Chemistry is an essential qualification for entry into medicine, dentistry, biological sciences, and veterinary science, as well as careers in pharmaceuticals and chemical engineering.
Our Elective Programme is designed to help you develop your gifts and interests as part of an enhanced level 3 programme. We will help you realise your potential by nurturing your talent and preparing you for study at the most prestigious universities or for progression to competitive higher-level apprenticeships. Your options range from our Honours Programme, which might include following a fourth A level, to specialist Futures Programmes that will support your career goals.
If you’re not quite ready to start on a Level 3 Technical course (T Levels) or a Vocational Level 3 course (BTEC) but want to begin on the path to your chosen career, the Transition Programme could be for you.
Transition Programmes are tailored to prepare students to move onto Technical or Vocational Level 3 study. They will give you the opportunity to improve your English and Maths, your work readiness skills and introduce you to the technical skills and concepts that you will need for future study and employment.
As part of the Transition Programme you will study a BTEC Level 2 Award in your chosen subject area as well as the BTEC Level 2 Extended Award in Work Skills. You will also have the opportunity to resit GCSE English and/or Maths if you have not yet achieved a grade 4.
Entry criteria for Transition Programmes is four grade 3s including grade 3s in English Language and Maths GCSE.